The latest episode of San Diego Argonauts Radio takes us to the beautiful Foster City lagoon for the 2026 California IOM State Championship—widely regarded as one of the finest radio sailing venues in the country.
Recorded pond-side during the regatta, Commodore Jess Atkinson talks with four competitors about the racing, boat tuning, and what makes this championship such a standout event. The episode also celebrates a terrific performance by the San Diego Argonauts, with all five club members finishing in the top 10.
The show wraps up with a call-in from Vice Commodore of Power Division Bill Bridge, who shares results from the NAMBA District 19 Heat Race Series in San Diego, where an impressive 137 boats competed across 11 classes.
Whether you’re planning a road trip to race new waters or simply want to learn more about the broader RC sailing community, this episode is worth a listen.
The latest episode of San Diego Argonauts Radio is now live!
Host Jess Atkinson sits down with Vice Commodore of Power, Bill Bridge, to discuss one of the biggest events of the year at the Mission Bay Model Boat Pond: the upcoming NAMBA District 19 Powerboat Race, taking place June 12–14, 2026.
More than 100 high-performance RC powerboats are expected to converge on San Diego for three days of racing, testing, camaraderie, and excitement. Bill shares the history of powerboat racing at the pond, how he became involved with the Argonauts, and what it takes to organize an event of this scale.
The evolution from nitro-powered “thunderboats” to modern gasoline-powered racers
Boats capable of reaching speeds approaching 60–90 mph
The different classes of mono hulls, catamarans, and scale-inspired race boats
Why Mission Bay remains one of Southern California’s premier RC boating venues
What visitors can expect during the June District 19 event
How the Argonauts’ sail and power divisions work together to support major regattas and races
Bill describes the event as an “organized circus”—and in the best possible way. Racers from across Southern California and neighboring states will bring hundreds of boats, trailers, tools, and equipment to the pond for a weekend of intense competition and fun.
Spectators Welcome
The event is free to attend and offers a fantastic opportunity for club members, families, and the public to experience RC powerboat racing up close.
Event Details
Event: NAMBA District 19 Heat Race #5
Dates: June 12–14, 2026
Location: Mission Bay Model Boat Pond
Admission: Free
Bring a chair, enjoy the sunshine, and watch some of the fastest RC boats in the region battle it out on the water.
Also in This Episode
AMYA President Len Boes provides a brief update on upcoming radio sailing events and the latest issue of Model Yachting magazine.
Jess recaps the recently completed IOM World Championship, highlighting one of the strongest performances ever by the U.S. team, with seven American skippers finishing in the top 18.
Upcoming Argonauts activities for June, including ODOM, Soling, IOM, Scale Division, and Power Division events.
Whether you’re a sailor, power boater, scale enthusiast, or simply curious about the hobby, this episode offers a great look at another exciting corner of the San Diego Argonauts community.
Experience over 120 boats racing over two days on San Diego Argonauts Model Yacht Pond. Competitors who are racing for year end championship points will go head to head running 6 laps (almost one mile) on a course with 30 foot diameter turns expectng to hold their lanes in heat racing style. Points are accumulated after four rounds of racing based on their place of finish with the traditional John Perry Studio trophies awarded at the end of the day.
Come view Semi-Vee Flat Bottom Boats, Sport Hydros, Crackerboxes, Catamarans, Jersey Skiffs, Outriggers, and the crowd favorite Classic Thunderboats.
There is no fee for spectating. Bring a chair or a blanket and kick back and enjoy the San Diego summer sun.
Saturday and Sunday July 26-27, 2025. 9:00 AM 4:00 PM
